Drain valve for fuel filter water separator

ABSTRACT

A drain valve for a fuel filter water separator for an internal combustion engine has a first port mating with the vent opening of the separator, a second port mating with the drain opening of the separator, and a third port. The drain valve is actuatable between a closed position blocking communication of the first port with the third port and blocking communication of the second port with the third port, and an open position providing communication of the first port with the third port and providing communication of the second port with the third port. If the valve is actuated to the open position when the engine is off, collected water and vent air each flow through the third port but in opposite directions. If the drain valve is actuated while the engine is running, pressurized fuel spray from the vent opening and collected water from the drain opening of the separator each flow through the third port in the same direction.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

[0001] The invention relates to fuel filter water separators forinternal combustion engines, usually diesel engines, and moreparticularly to a drain valve therefor.

[0002] Diesel fuel tends to contain relatively high levels of impuritiessuch as particulate matter and water, as compared to correspondinglevels in other liquid hydrocarbon fuels. As a consequence, diesel fueltypically needs to be filtered before injecting the diesel fuel into theengine. The concern over the levels of particulate matter and water inthe diesel fuel are significant due to the problems which can be caused.Particulate matter can clog fuel lines and fuel injectors and causedeposits to be formed in the combustion chamber. When water-laden dieselfuel is run through a fuel system and engine, the presence of the watercan cause the fuel injection system to malfunction due to rust,corrosion, deposits, etc. Excessive levels of water may lead tocatastrophic injector nozzle failure due to the effects of steamexpansion and/or lubricity effects.

[0003] Fuel filter water separators are known in the prior art forfiltering the particulate matter and removing the water. Fuel filterwater separators with a drain valve for periodically draining thecollected water are also known in the prior art, for example as shown inU.S. Pat. No. 5,855,772, incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] The present invention provides an improved drain valve for a fuelfilter water separator. The fuel filter water separator has a housingdefining a water collection space and a vent space. The housing has awall with a drain opening therethrough for draining water from the watercollection space, and a vent opening therethrough and permittingincoming air to replace outgoing water. The engine has a runningcondition wherein the fuel filter water separator is pressurized, and anoff condition wherein the fuel filter water separator is notpressurized. The drain valve includes a housing mounted to the fuelfilter water separator housing and having a first port mating with thevent opening, a second port mating with the drain opening, and a thirdport. An actuator member in the drain valve housing is actuatablebetween a closed position blocking communication of the first port withthe third port and blocking communication of the second port with thethird port. The actuator member in the drain valve housing is actuatableto an open position providing communication of the first port with thethird port and providing communication of the second port with the thirdport. In a typical situation, when the operator sees an indication thatwater is present, he turns off the engine, thus depressurizing the fuelfilter water separator, and opens the drain valve by actuating theactuator member to the open position, and collected water and vent aireach flow through the noted third port, but in opposite directions,i.e., if the operator opens the drain valve during the off condition ofthe engine with the fuel filter water separator not pressurized, thefirst port draws air through the vent passage from around the drainstream of collected water flowing in the opposite direction in the thirdport. In one embodiment, if the actuator member of the drain valve isactuated to the open position when the engine is in the runningcondition and providing pressurized fuel at the noted vent opening, thenfuel spray from the vent opening and collected water from the drainopening of the fuel filter water separator housing each flow through thenoted third port in the same direction, i.e. if the operator opens thedrain valve during the running condition of the engine with the fuelfilter water separator pressurized, a pressurized fuel vent stream fromthe first port joins the drain stream from the second port at the thirdport and flows in the same direction therethrough.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 is like FIG. 7 of incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,772 butshows a drain valve in accordance with the present invention.

[0006]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the drain valve of FIG.1.

[0007]FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of the drain valve ofFIGS. 1 and 2.

[0008]FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1, andshows the valve in the closed position.

[0009]FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

[0010]FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

[0011]FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4.

[0012]FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the valve of FIGS. 3 and 4, butshows the valve in the closed position.

[0013]FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

[0014]FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

[0015]FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9.

[0016]FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9

[0017]FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 9.

[0018]FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 10.

[0019]FIG. 15 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a drain valvein accordance with the invention.

[0020]FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15.

[0021]FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing the valve of FIG. 15 in theopen position.

[0022]FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17.

[0023]FIG. 19 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a drain valvein accordance with the invention.

[0024]FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19.

[0025]FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing the valve of FIG. 19 in theopen position.

[0026]FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 21.

[0027]FIG. 23 is a bottom end elevation view taken along line 23-23 ofFIG. 21.

[0028]FIG. 24 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a drain valvein accordance with the invention.

[0029]FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 24.

[0030]FIG. 26 is a sectional view showing the valve of FIG. 24 in theopen position.

[0031]FIG. 27 is a sectional view taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 26.

[0032]FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 26.

[0033]FIG. 29 is a sectional view taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 26.

[0034]FIG. 30 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of a drainvalve in accordance with the invention.

[0035]FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30.

[0036]FIG. 32 is a sectional view showing the drain valve of FIG. 30 inthe open position.

[0037]FIG. 33 is a sectional view taken along line 33-33 of FIG. 32.

[0038]FIG. 34 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 30 as shown atline 34-34 in FIG. 30.

[0039]FIG. 35 is a sectional view taken along line 35-35 of FIG. 32.

[0040]FIG. 36 is a sectional view taken along line 36-36 of FIG. 32.

[0041]FIG. 37 is a sectional view taken along line 37-37 of FIG. 32.

[0042]FIG. 38 is a sectional view taken along line 38-38 of FIG. 30.

[0043]FIG. 39 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of a drainvalve in accordance with the invention.

[0044]FIG. 40 is a sectional view taken along line 40-40 of FIG. 39.

[0045]FIG. 41 is a sectional view showing the drain valve of FIG. 39 inthe open position.

[0046]FIG. 42 is a sectional view taken along line 42-42 of FIG. 41.

[0047]FIG. 43 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 41.

[0048]FIG. 44 is a sectional view taken along line 44-44 of FIG. 41.

[0049]FIG. 45 is a sectional view taken along line 45-45 of FIG. 39.

[0050]FIG. 46 is a top view of another embodiment of a drain valve inaccordance with the invention.

[0051]FIG. 47 is a sectional view taken along line 47-47 of FIG. 46.

[0052]FIG. 48 is a top view showing the drain valve of FIG. 46 in theopen position.

[0053]FIG. 49 is a sectional view taken along line 49-49 of FIG. 48.

[0054]FIG. 50 is a sectional view taken along line 50-50 of FIG. 49.

[0055]FIG. 51 is a sectional view taken along line 51-51 of FIG. 49.

[0056]FIG. 52 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 49.

[0057]FIG. 53 is a sectional view taken along line 53-53 of FIG. 52.

[0058]FIG. 54 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a drain valvein accordance with the invention.

[0059]FIG. 55 is a sectional view showing the drain valve of FIG. 54 inthe open position.

[0060]FIG. 56 is a side elevation view partially cut away of a furtherembodiment of the drain valve of FIG. 54.

[0061]FIG. 57 is a perspective view from below, partially cut away, ofthe drain valve of FIG. 56.

[0062]FIG. 58 is a perspective view from above, partially cut away, ofthe drain valve of FIG. 56.

[0063]FIG. 59 is a perspective view from below of the drain valve ofFIG. 56.

[0064]FIG. 60 is a perspective view from above of the drain valve ofFIG. 56.

[0065]FIG. 61 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a drain valvein accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066]FIG. 1 shows a fuel filter water separator 70 and will be onlybriefly described since it is also shown at 20 in incorporated U.S. Pat.No. 5,855,772 to which further reference may be had. Fuel filter waterseparator 70 includes a housing 72 closed by a threaded lid 74 andhaving a filter and water separating element 76 therein. Diesel fuelenters at fuel inlet 78, flows radially inwardly through annular filterelement 76 to hollow interior 80 and then flows through fuel outlet 82to the fuel injection system of internal combustion engine 84, such as adiesel engine. The housing includes a heater ring 86 for heating thediesel fuel to prevent it from coalescing in cold weather, a heaterconnector/thermostat assembly 88, and a water-in-fuel (WIF) sensor 90,all as is known in the prior art and as shown in the incorporated '772patent. Housing 72 defines a water collection space 92 and a vent space94. The housing has a wall 96 with a drain opening 98 therethrough fordraining water from the water collection space. The wall has a ventopening 100 therethrough and permitting incoming air to replace outgoingwater. The engine has a running condition wherein the fuel systemincluding the fuel filter water separator is pressurized, and an offcondition wherein the fuel system and fuel filter water separator is notpressurized. As is known, it is typical to drain collected water fromhousing 72 with the engine in the off condition. This is done byallowing collected water to flow through drain opening 98, and allowingincoming vent air to flow through vent opening 100 to replace theoutgoing water and allow flow thereof. In the noted pressurizedcondition, fuel pressure in the fuel filter water separator providespressurized fuel at vent opening 100, such that if the control valvetherefor is opened during the running condition of the engine,pressurized fuel sprays outwardly through vent opening 100.

[0067] Drain valve 102 includes a housing 104, FIG. 2, mounted to fuelfilter water separator housing 72 by bolts 106, 108, 110, 112, FIGS. 2,3, 12, 13, threaded into respective blind holes in increased thicknesssection 114 of the fuel filter water separator housing wall. The drainvalve housing has a first port 116, FIGS. 9 and 12 mating with ventopening 100. The drain valve housing has a second port 118, FIGS. 9 and13, mating with drain opening 98. The drain valve housing has a thirdport 120, FIGS. 1 and 9, at the bottom thereof which is a combined ventand drain port and to which a drain hose 122, FIGS. 2 and 3, may beconnected at outer barbs 124 and retained by clamp 126.

[0068] An actuator member 128 in drain valve housing 104 is actuatablebetween a closed position, FIGS. 1-7, and an open position, FIGS. 8-14.The closed position blocks communication of first port 116 with thirdport 120 and blocks communication of second port 118 with third port120. The open position provides communication of first port 116 withthird port 120 and provides communication of second port 118 with thirdport 120. If actuator member 128 of drain valve 102 is actuated to theopen position when the engine is in the noted off condition, collectedwater and vent air each flow through third port 120, but in oppositedirections, FIG. 9, as shown at drain stream 130 and vent air stream132. First port 116 draws air through the vent passage, to be described,from around drain stream 130 of collected water flowing in the oppositedirection in third port 120.

[0069] If actuator member 128 of drain valve 102 is actuated to the openposition when the engine is in the noted running condition, pressurizedfuel spray from vent opening 100 and collected water from drain opening98 of the fuel filter water separator housing each flow through thirdport 120 in the same direction as shown as fuel spray phantom arrow 134and drain arrow 130, FIG. 9. In such instance, a pressurized fuel ventstream 134 from first port 116 joins drain stream 130 from second port118 at third port 120, and streams 134 and 130 flow in the samedirection through port 120 to exit same, preferably through drain hose122, FIG. 3.

[0070] The drain valve has preferred vertical or gravitationalorientation of the ports, particularly desirable for the notednon-pressurized drain cycle, i.e. with the engine in the noted offcondition. Third port 120 is gravitationally below second port 118 whichin turn is gravitationally below first port 116. Third port 120 isgravitationally below drain opening 98 which in turn is gravitationallybelow vent opening 100.

[0071] In FIG. 2, actuator member 128 is a rotary piston 136 rotatableabout a vertical axis 138. A vent passage 140, FIGS. 2, 4, 9, 12, has afirst portion 142, FIGS. 4, 9, 12, extending radially through piston136, relative to axis 138, and a second portion 144, FIGS. 4, 9, 11,extending axially along a gap between piston 136 and drain valve housing104. In the open position of the valve, FIG. 9, such gap is between aflat surface 146, FIGS. 11,12, on the outer surface of the piston, and anotched surface 148 on the inner cylindrical surface of the drain valvehousing. First portion 142 of vent passage 140 extends between anupstream end 150 and a downstream end 152, FIGS. 9 and 12. Secondportion 144 of vent passage 140 extends between an upstream end 143,FIG. 9, and a downstream end 145. Downstream end 145 of second portion144 is continuous with and in continuous communication with upstream end150 of first portion 142, including in both of the noted open and closedpositions. Downstream end 152 of first portion 142 communicates withfirst port 116 when piston 136 is in the noted open position, as shownin FIGS. 9 and 12. Downstream end 152 is blocked from communication withfirst port 116 when piston 136 is in the noted closed position, FIG. 4.An annular sealing grommet 154, FIGS. 2, 9, 12, radially bears betweendrain valve housing 104 and piston 136 at first port 116. Piston 136 ispreferably formed with a ball socket portion 156, FIG. 2, at vent port140 to facilitate engagement with sealing grommet 154 and rotation ofpiston 136 while maintaining the seal. Upstream end 143 of secondportion 144 of the vent passage is in communication with third port 120in each of the open and closed positions of the piston.

[0072] A drain passage 158, FIGS. 2, 4, 9, 13, has a first portion 160,FIGS. 4, 9, 13, extending radially in piston 136, relative to axis 138,and a second portion 162 extending axially in piston 136. First portion160 extends between an upstream end 164 and a downstream end 166. Secondportion 162 extends between an upstream end 168 and a downstream end170. Upstream end 168 of second portion 162 is continuous with and incontinuous communication with downstream end 166 of first potion 160including in each of the noted open and closed positions of the piston.Downstream end 170 of second portion 162 is in communication with thirdport 120 in each of the open and closed positions of the piston.Upstream end 164 of first portion 160 is in communication with secondport 118 when piston 136 is in the open position as shown in FIGS. 9 and13. Upstream end 164 is blocked from communication with second port 118when piston 136 is in the closed position, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. Anannular sealing grommet 172, FIGS. 2, 7, 9, 13, radially bears betweendrain valve housing 104 and piston 136 at second port 118. Piston 136 isprovided with a second ball socket portion 174, FIG. 2, around drainpassage 158 to facilitate and maintain the seal against sealing grommet172 and to maintain such seal during rotation of piston 136.

[0073] Drain valve 102 includes an manually engageable upper handle 176,FIGS. 1 and 2, nonrotatably secured to piston 136 by roll pin 178. Coilspring 180 is a return spring and biases the valve handle to return tothe closed position, FIGS. 1-7, when released by the operator. Ballsockets 156 and 174 on piston 136 in cooperation with grommets 154 and172, respectively, axially locate piston 136 in housing 104 and retainthe piston in the housing. Additional retention is preferably providedby pin 182, FIGS. 8, 14, engaging the underside of housing lip 184,FIGS. 2, 14. In the closed position of the valve, FIG. 5, edge 184 ofthe handle is stopped against shoulder 186 of housing 104. When thevalve is actuated to the open position, handle 176 is manually rotatedby the operator 90° counter-clockwise to the position shown in FIG. 10,with handle edge 188 stopped against shoulder 190 of housing 104. O-ring192, FIGS. 4, 9, permits the noted rotation while sealing the interiorof the valve.

[0074] FIGS. 15-18 show a further embodiment and use like referencenumerals from above where appropriate to facilitate understanding. Therotational stops for the opening and closing movements of the valve 200are moved from the handle to the piston. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18,piston 136 has an arcuate slot 201 with shoulders 202 and 204 at theends thereof. In the closed position of the valve, FIG. 15, piston 136is in its clockwise rotated position, FIG. 16, with shoulder 204 stoppedagainst radially inwardly projecting finger 206 formed on the innercylindrical surface of housing 104. In the open position of the valve,FIG. 17, piston 136 is rotated 90° counter-clockwise, FIG. 18, andshoulder 202 is stopped against finger 206.

[0075] FIGS. 19-23 show a further embodiment and use like referencenumerals from above where appropriate to facilitate understanding. Drainvalve 218 has a housing 220 and an actuator member provided by a rotarypiston 222 rotatable about a vertical axis and having an upper manuallyengageable operator handle 224 nonrotatably secured to piston 222 by pin226 and biased by spring 228 to return to the closed position, FIGS. 19and 20. In FIG. 20, shoulder 230 of arcuate slot 232 of piston 222 isstopped against radially inwardly projecting finger 234 of the innercylindrical surface of housing 220. Piston 222 is rotated 90°counter-clockwise, as viewed in FIGS. 20 and 22, to the open position,FIG. 21, with shoulder 236 of arcuate slot 232 stopped against finger234.

[0076] A vent passage 238, FIG. 21, has a first portion 240 extendingradially in piston 222, relative to the noted vertical rotational axisof piston 222, and a second portion 242 extending axially in the piston.First portion 240 of the vent passage extends between an upstream end244 and a downstream end 246. Second portion 242 of the vent passageextends between an upstream end 248 and a downstream end 250. Upstreamend 244 of first portion 240 is continuous with and continuouslycommunicates with downstream end 250 of second portion 242 of the ventpassage including in each of the open and closed positions of thepiston. Downstream end 246 of first portion 240 communicates with firstport 116 when the piston is in the open position, FIG. 21, and isblocked from communication with first port 116 when the piston is in theclosed position, FIG. 19. Upstream end 248 of second portion 242communicates with third port 120 in each of the open and closedpositions of the piston.

[0077] Drain passage 252, FIG. 21, has a first portion 254 extendingradially in piston 222, and a second portion 256 extending axially inpiston 222. First portion 254 extends between an upstream end 258 and adownstream end 260. Second portion 256 of the drain passage extendsbetween an upstream end 262 and a downstream end 264. Downstream end 260of first portion 254 is continuous with and in continuous communicationwith upstream end 262 of second portion 256 including in each of theopen and closed positions of the piston. Upstream end 258 of firstportion 254 communicates with second port 118 when the piston is in theopen position, FIG. 21, and is blocked from communication with secondport 118 when the piston is in the closed position, FIG. 19. Downstreamend 264 of second portion 256 communicates with third port 120 in eachof the open and closed positions of the piston, FIGS. 21 and 19,respectively.

[0078] FIGS. 24-29 show a further embodiment and use like referencenumerals from above where appropriate to facilitate understanding. Drainvalve 278 has a housing 280 and an actuator member provided by a rotarypiston 282 rotatable about a vertical rotation axis and having an upperhandle 284 nonrotatably secured to piston 282 by pin 286 and biased to aclosed position by return spring 288. In the closed position, FIG. 24,shoulder 290, FIG. 25, of arcuate slot 292 on the outer surface ofpiston 282 is stopped against radially inwardly projecting finger 294 ofthe inner cylindrical surface of drain valve housing 280. Upon rotationof the piston 90° counter-clockwise, as viewed in FIGS. 25 and 27, tothe open position, FIG. 26, shoulder 296 of arcuate slot 292 is stoppedagainst finger 294.

[0079] A vent passage 298, FIG. 26, has a first portion 300 extendingradially through piston 282, relative to the noted vertical rotationalaxis, and a second portion 302 extending axially along a gap betweenpiston 282 and drain valve housing 280. First portion 300 of the ventpassage extends between an upstream end 304 and a downstream end 306.Second portion 302 of the vent passage extends between an upstream end308 and a downstream end 310. Upstream end 304 of the first portion 300is continuous with and continuously communicates with downstream end 310of second portion 302 of the vent passage including in each of the openand closed positions of the piston. Downstream end 306 of first portion300 communicates with first port 116 when the piston is in the openposition, FIGS. 26, 28, and is blocked from communication with firstport 116 when the piston is in the closed position, FIG. 24. Upstreamend 308 of second portion 302 communicates with third port 120 in eachof the open and closed positions of the piston.

[0080] Drain passage 312, FIG. 26, has a first portion 314 extendingradially in the piston, and a second portion 316 extending axially inthe piston. First portion 314 extends between an upstream end 318 and adownstream end 320. Second portion 316 of the drain passage extendsbetween an upstream end 322 and a downstream end 324. Downstream end 320of first portion 314 is continuous with and in continuous communicationwith upstream end 322 of second portion 316 of the drain passageincluding in each of the open and closed positions of the piston.Upstream end 318 of first portion 314 is in communication with secondport 118 when the piston is in the open position, FIGS. 26, 29, and isblocked from communication with second port 118 when the piston is inthe closed position, FIG. 24. Downstream end 324 of second portion 316is in communication with third port 120 in each of the open and closedpositions of the piston.

[0081] FIGS. 30-38 show a further embodiment and use like referencenumerals from above where appropriate to facilitate understanding. Drainvalve 340 includes a drain valve housing 342 and an actuator memberprovided by a rotary piston 344 rotatable about a vertical rotation axisand having an upper manually engageable handle 346 nonrotatably securedto piston 344 by pin 348 and biased to the closed position, FIGS. 30,34, 38, by return spring 350. In the closed position, radially outwardlyprojecting finger 352, FIG. 31, on the outer surface of piston 344 isstopped against shoulder 354 of an arcuate slot 356 formed in the innercylindrical surface of drain valve housing 342. Upon 90° clockwiserotation of the piston, as viewed in FIGS. 31 and 33, to the openposition, FIG. 32, finger 352, FIG. 33, is stopped against shoulder 358of arcuate slot 356.

[0082] Drain valve 340 includes an upper cap 360, FIG. 30, threadmounted on housing 342. Spring 350 axially bears between cap 360 and ashoulder 362 on the piston and, in addition to the noted rotary bias,also supplies axial bias such that piston 344 is axially biaseddownwardly against a pair of lower O-ring seals 364 and 366, FIGS. 30,34, 37, 38. O-ring 364 is aligned with lower drain port 368 in lowerhorizontal wall 370 of housing 342. O-ring 366 is aligned with lowervent port 372 in horizontal wall 370. Ports 368 and 372 communicate withthe noted third port 120 of the drain valve. Piston 344 is axiallybiased downwardly against O-rings 364 and 366 in sealing relation.

[0083] A vent passage 374, FIG. 32, has a first portion 376 extendingradially in piston 344, and a second portion 378 extending axially inthe piston. First portion 376 extends between an upstream end 380 and adownstream end 382. Second portion 378 of the vent passage extendsbetween an upstream end 386 and a downstream end 388. Upstream end 380of first portion 376 is continuous with and in continuous communicationwith downstream end 388 of second portion 378 of the vent passageincluding in each of the open and closed positions of the piston.Downstream end 382 of first portion 376 is in communication with firstport 116 in each of the open and closed positions of the piston, FIGS.32 and 30, respectively. This is accomplished by an arcuate groove 384,FIGS. 30, 32, 35, formed in the outer cylindrical surface of piston 344communicating with downstream end 382 of first portion 376 of ventpassage 374 and first port 116. Upstream end 386 of second portion 378is in communication with third port 120 through O-ring 366 and vent port372 when the piston is in the open position, FIGS. 32, 35, 37. Upstreamend 386 is blocked from communication with vent port 372 and third port120 when the piston is in the closed position, FIGS. 30, 38.

[0084] Drain passage 400, FIG. 32, has a first portion 402 extendingradially in piston 344, and a second portion 404 extending axially inpiston 344. First portion 402 extends between an upstream end 406 and adownstream end 408. Second portion 404 of the drain passage extendsbetween an upstream end 412 and a downstream end 414. Downstream end 408of first portion 402 is continuous with and in continuous communicationwith upstream end 412 of second portion 404 of the drain passageincluding in each of the open and closed positions of the piston.Upstream end 406 of first portion 402 communicates with second port 118in each of the open and closed positions of the piston, FIGS. 32 and 30,respectively. This is accomplished by an arcuate groove 410 formed inthe outer cylindrical surface of piston 344 communicating with upstreamend 406 of first portion 402 of drain passage 400 and second port 118 ineach of the open and closed positions of the piston. In an alternative,either or both of vent and drain passage arcuate grooves 384 and 410 maybe formed in the inner cylindrical surface of the drain valve housing.Downstream end 414 of second portion 404 communicates with third port120 through O-ring 364 and drain port 368 when the piston is in the openposition, FIGS. 32 and 37. Downstream end 414 of second portion 404 isblocked from communication with drain port 368 and third port 120 whenthe piston is in the closed position, FIGS. 30 and 38.

[0085] FIGS. 39-45 show a further embodiment and use like referencenumerals from above where appropriate to facilitate understanding. Drainvalve 430, FIG. 39, includes a drain valve housing 432 having anactuator member provided by a rotary piston 434 rotatable about avertical rotation axis and having an upper manually engageable handle436 nonrotatably secured to piston 434 by pin 438 and biased to theclosed position, FIGS. 39, 45, by return spring 440. A bottom end cap442 is mounted to the housing in threaded relation to axially locate andretain the piston in the housing and to provide an axial stop for lowersprings 444 and 446, FIG. 43, axially biasing annular sealing grommets448 and 450 axially upwardly against the bottom of the piston atrespective vent and drain ports 452 and 454. A lower cup-shaped retainermember 456 has respective vent and drain ports 458 and 460 therethroughaligned with respective vent and drain ports 452 and 454 and therespective openings in respective annular seals 448 and 450 and therespective hollow interiors of springs 444 and 446. Springs 444 and 446bear axially between retainer member 456 and respective annular seals448 and 450. Retainer member 456 is held in place by lower end cap 442and is sealed to housing 432 by O-ring 462.

[0086] In the open position of drain valve 430, FIGS. 41, 43, 44, ventair 132 flows upwardly through third port 120, vent ports 458 and 452then through portions 464 and 466, FIG. 41 of vent passage 468 to firstport 116 communicating with vent opening 100. The collected water drainstream 130 flows from drain opening 98 to second port 118 then throughportions 470 and 472 of drain passage 474 then through drain ports 454and 460 to third port 120.

[0087] FIGS. 46-51 show a further embodiment and use like referencenumeral from above where appropriate to facilitate understanding. Drainvalve 500 includes a drain valve housing 502 and an actuator memberprovided by a rotary piston 504 rotatable about a vertical rotation axisand having an upper manually engageable handle 506 nonrotatably securedto piston 504 in keyed relation, such as square fit 508 or the like, andbiased to the closed position, FIG. 47, by return spring 510. Ventpassage 512, FIG. 49, extends from first port 116 radially at 514 in thepiston then axially at 516 in the piston through lower vent port 518through bottom wall 520 of the housing when the piston is in the openposition, FIGS. 49, 50. Vent port 518 in turn communicates with annularpassage 522 around drain port 524 at third port 120. Axial vent passageportion 516 is blocked from communication with vent port 518 in bottomwall 520 when the piston is in the closed position, FIG. 47. Radialportion 514 of the vent passage is blocked from communication with firstport 116 when the piston is in the closed position, FIG. 47. Drainpassage 526 has a portion 528 extending radially from second port 118and a portion 530 extending axially and communicating with drain port524 and third port 120 in each of the open and closed positions of thepiston, FIGS. 49 and 47, respectively. O-rings 532 and 534 permit thenoted rotation and seal the interior of the valve. Additional O-rings536 and 538 are provided around respective portions 514 and 528 ofrespective vent and drain passages 512 and 526.

[0088] FIGS. 54-60 show a further embodiment and use like referencenumerals from above where appropriate to facilitate understanding. Drainvalve 550 includes a drain valve housing 552 and an actuator memberprovided by a reciprocal plunger 554 preferably reciprocal along avertical reciprocation axis. A vent passage 556 has a first portion 558extending from first port 116 radially in drain valve housing 552,relative to the noted reciprocation axis 560, a second portion 562extending axially in housing 552 along plunger 554, a third portionextending radially in housing 552, a fourth portion 556 extendingaxially in housing 552, and a fifth portion 568 extending radially inhousing 552. Radial portions 558 and 564 are joined by axial portion 560when plunger 554 is in the open position, FIG. 55. Axial portion 566 isradially spaced from axial portion 562. Vent air 132 through the ventpassage flows from third port 120 through portion 568 then axiallythrough portion 566 then radially through portion 564 then axiallythrough portion 562 then radially through portion 558 to first port 116and vent opening 100. Housing 552 has a drain chamber 570 and a ventchamber 572 spaced from each other by a dividing wall 574. Plunger 554reciprocates in the vent and drain chambers between open and closedpositions, FIGS. 55 and 54, respectively. In the open position, FIG. 55,collected water 130 flows from drain chamber 570 along plunger 554 intothird port 120, and vent air 132 flows in the opposite direction throughthird port 120 toward plunger 554 and then enters the vent passage atportion 568. Drain passage 576 has a first portion 578 extendingradially in drain valve housing 552, relative to axis 560, and a secondportion 580 extending axially along plunger 554 to third port 120.O-ring seals 582,584,586 are provided along the plunger for sealing therespective passages. A self-biasing molded rubber or plastic cap 588 issecured to the top of the plunger and biases the plunger upwardly to theclosed position, FIG. 54. To open to valve, the operator manually pushesdown on cap 588 as shown at arrow 589, FIG. 55. Alternatively, or inaddition, a return spring 590 may be provided to bias plunger 554upwardly to the closed position.

[0089]FIG. 61 shows a further embodiment and uses like referencenumerals from above where appropriate to facilitate understanding. Drainvalve 600 includes a drain valve housing 602 having an actuator memberprovided by a rotary piston 604 rotatable about a vertical rotation axisand having an upper manually engageable handle 606 nonrotatably securedto piston 604 by pin 608 and biased by return spring 610, as above. Ventpassage 612 has a first portion 614 extending radially through piston604, relative to the noted rotation axis, and a second portion 616extending axially through housing 602. The operation of drain valve 600is like that described above except that the axial portion 616 of thevent passage extends through the drain valve housing 602 rather thanextending along a gap between piston 604 and housing 602, and ratherthan extending through piston 604.

[0090] It is recognized that various equivalents, alternatives andmodifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A drain valve for a fuel filter water separatorfor an internal combustion engine, said fuel filter water separatorhaving a housing defining a water collection space and a vent space, thehousing having a wall with a drain opening therethrough for drainingwater from said water collection space, and having a vent openingtherethrough and permitting incoming air to replace outgoing water, saidengine having a running condition wherein said fuel filter waterseparator is pressurized, said engine having an off condition whereinsaid fuel filter water separator is not pressurized, said drain valvecomprising a housing mounted to said fuel filter water separator housingand having a first port mating with said vent opening, a second portmating with said drain opening, and a third port, and an actuator memberin said drain valve housing and actuable between a closed positionblocking communication of said first port with said third port andblocking communication of said second port with said third port, and anopen position providing communication of said first port with said thirdport and providing communication of said second port with said thirdport such that if said actuator member of said drain valve is actuatedto said open position when said engine is in said off condition,collected water and vent air each flow through said third port inopposite directions.
 2. The invention according to claim 1 wherein fuelpressure in said fuel filter water separator during said runningcondition of said engine provides pressurized fuel at said vent opening,such that if said actuator member of said drain valve is actuated tosaid open position when said engine is in said running condition,pressurized fuel spray from said vent opening and collected water fromsaid drain opening of said fuel filter water separator housing each flowthrough said third port in the same direction.
 3. The inventionaccording to claim 1 where in said third port is gravitationally belowsaid drain opening.
 4. The invention according to claim 1 wherein saiddrain opening is gravitationally below said vent opening.
 5. Theinvention according to claim 1 wherein said third port isgravitationally below said second port.
 6. The invention according toclaim 1 wherein said second port is gravitationally below said firstport.
 7. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said third port isgravitationally below each said second port, and said second port isgravitationally below said first port.
 8. The invention according toclaim 1 comprising a vent passage extending along a gap between saidactuator member and said drain valve housing and communicating with eachof said first and third ports when said actuator member is in said openposition, and blocked from communication with at least of one of saidfirst and third ports when said actuator member is in said closedposition.
 9. The invention according to claim 1 comprising a ventpassage through said actuator member and communicating with each of saidfirst and third ports when said actuator member is in said openposition, and blocked from communication with at least of one of saidfirst and third ports when said actuator member is in said closedposition.
 10. The invention according to claim 1 comprising a ventpassage extending through said drain valve housing and communicatingwith each of said first and third ports when said actuator member is insaid open position, and blocked from communication with at least one ofsaid first and third ports when said actuator member is in said closedposition.
 11. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said actuatormember is a rotary piston rotatable about an axis, and comprising a ventpassage having a first portion extending radially through said piston,relative to said axis, and a second portion extending axially along agap between said piston and said drain valve housing.
 12. The inventionaccording to claim 11 comprising a seal radially bearing between saiddrain valve housing and said piston at said first port.
 13. Theinvention according to claim 11 comprising a seal axially bearingbetween said drain valve housing and said piston at said third port. 14.The invention according to claim 11 wherein said first portion of saidvent passage extends between an upstream end and a downstream end, saidupstream end communicating with said second portion of said vent passagewhen said piston is in said open position, said downstream endcommunicating with said first port when said piston is in said openposition, said downstream end being blocked from communication with saidfirst port when said piston is in said closed position.
 15. Theinvention according to claim 14 wherein said upstream end of said firstportion of said vent passage communicates with said second portion ofsaid vent passage when said piston is in said closed position.
 16. Theinvention according to claim 14 comprising a seal radially bearingbetween said drain valve housing and said piston at said first port. 17.The invention according to claim 11 comprising a drain passage having afirst portion extending radially in said piston, and a second portionextending axially in said piston.
 18. The invention according to claim17 wherein said first portion of said drain passage extends between anupstream end and a downstream end, said upstream end communicating withsaid second port when said piston is in said open position, said secondportion of said drain passage extends between an upstream end and adownstream end, said upstream end of said second portion of said drainpassage communicating with said downstream end of said first portion ofsaid drain passage in each of said open and closed positions of saidpiston, said downstream end of said second portion of said drain passagecommunicating with said third port when said piston is in said openposition, at least one of said upstream end of said first portion ofsaid drain passage and said downstream end of said second portion ofsaid drain passage being blocked from communication with a respectiveone of said second and third ports when said piston is in said closedposition.
 19. The invention according to claim 18 wherein said upstreamend of said first portion of said drain passage is blocked fromcommunication with said second port when said piston is in said closedposition.
 20. The invention according to claim 19 wherein saiddownstream end of said second portion of said drain passage communicateswith said third port in each of said open and closed positions of saidpiston.
 21. The invention according to claim 18 wherein said downstreamend of said second portion of said drain passage is blocked fromcommunication with said third port when said piston is in said closedposition.
 22. The invention according to claim 21 wherein said upstreamend of said first portion of said drain passage communicates with saidsecond port in each of said open and closed positions of said piston.23. The invention according to claim 22 comprising an arcuate groove inone of said piston and said drain valve housing communicating with saidupstream end of said first portion of said drain passage and said secondport in each of said open and closed positions of said piston.
 24. Theinvention according to claim 1 wherein said actuator member is a rotarypiston rotatable about an axis, and comprising a vent passage having afirst portion extending radially in said piston, relative to said axis,and a second portion extending axially in said piston.
 25. The inventionaccording to claim 24 wherein said first portion of said vent passageextends between an upstream end and a downstream end, said downstreamend communicating with said first port when said piston is in said openposition, said second portion of said vent passage extends between anupstream end and a downstream end, said upstream end of said secondportion of said vent passage communicating with said third port whensaid piston is in said open position, said downstream end of said secondportion of said vent passage communicating with said upstream end ofsaid first portion of said vent passage in each of said open and closedpositions of said piston, at least one of said downstream end of saidfirst portion of said vent passage and said upstream end of said secondportion of said vent passage being blocked from communication with arespective one of said first and third ports when said piston is in saidclosed position.
 26. The invention according to claim 25 wherein saiddownstream end of said first portion of said vent passage is blockedform communication with said first port when said piston is in saidclosed position.
 27. The invention according to claim 26 wherein saidupstream end of said second portion of said vent passage is incommunication with said third port in each of said open and closedpositions of said piston.
 28. The invention according to claim 26comprising a seal radially bearing between said drain valve housing andsaid piston at said first port.
 29. The invention according to claim 25wherein said upstream end of said second portion of said vent passage isblocked from communication with said third port when said piston is insaid closed position.
 30. The invention according to claim 29 whereinsaid downstream end of said first portion of said vent passage is incommunication with said first port in each of said open and closedpositions of said piston.
 31. The invention according to claim 30comprising an arcuate groove in one of said piston and said drain valvehousing communicating said downstream end of said first portion of saidvent passage and said first port in each of said open and closedpositions of said piston.
 32. The invention according to claim 29comprising a seal axially bearing between said drain valve housing andsaid piston at said third port.
 33. The invention according to claim 24comprising a drain passage having a first portion extending radially insaid piston, and a second portion extending axially in said piston. 34.The invention according to claim 33 wherein said first portion of saiddrain passage extends between an upstream end and a downstream end, saidupstream end communicating with said second port when said piston is insaid open position, said second portion of said drain passage extendsbetween an upstream end and a downstream end, said upstream end of saidsecond portion of said drain passage communicating with said downstreamend of said first portion of said drain passage in each of said open andclosed positions of said piston, said downstream end of said secondportion of said drain passage communicating with said third port whensaid piston is in said open position, at least one of said upstream endof said first portion of said drain passage and said downstream end ofsaid second portion of said drain passage being blocked fromcommunication with a respective one of said second and third ports whensaid piston is in said closed position.
 35. The invention according toclaim 34 wherein said upstream end of said first portion of said drainpassage is blocked from communication with said second port when saidpiston is in said closed position.
 36. The invention according to claim35 wherein said downstream end of said second portion of said drainpassage communicates with said third port in each of said open andclosed positions of said piston.
 37. The invention according to 34wherein said downstream end of said second portion of said drain passageis blocked from communication with said third port when said piston isin said closed position.
 38. The invention according to claim 37 whereinsaid upstream end of said first portion of said drain passagecommunicates with said second port in each of said open and closedpositions of said piston.
 39. The invention according to claim 38comprising an arcuate groove in one of said piston and said drain valvehousing communicating with said upstream end of said first portion ofsaid drain passage and said second port in each of said open and closedpositions of said piston.
 40. The invention according to claim 1 whereinsaid actuator member is a rotary piston rotatable about an axis, andcomprising a drain passage having a first portion extending radially insaid piston, relative to said axis, and a second portion extendingaxially in said piston.
 41. The invention according to claim 40comprising a seal radially bearing between said drain valve housing andsaid piston at said second port.
 42. The invention according to claim 40comprising a seal axially bearing between said drain valve housing andsaid piston at said third port.
 43. The invention according to claim 40wherein said first portion of said drain passage extends between anupstream end and a downstream end, said upstream end communicating withsaid second port when said piston is in said open position, said secondportion of said drain passage extends between an upstream end and adownstream end, said upstream end of said second portion of said drainpassage communicating with said downstream end of said first portion ofsaid drain passage in each of said open and closed positions of saidpiston, said downstream end of said second portion of said drain passagecommunicating with said third port when said piston is in said openposition, at least one of said upstream end of said first portion ofsaid drain passage and said downstream end of said second portion ofsaid drain passage being blocked from communication with a respectiveone of said second and third ports when said piston is in said closedposition.
 44. The invention according to claim 43 wherein said upstreamend of said first portion of said drain passage is blocked fromcommunication with said second port when said piston is in said closedposition.
 45. The invention according to claim 44 wherein saiddownstream end of said second portion of said drain passage communicateswith said third port in each of said open and closed positions of saidpiston.
 46. The invention according to claim 43 wherein said downstreamend of said second portion of said drain passage is blocked fromcommunication with said third port when said piston is in said closedposition.
 47. The invention according to claim 46 wherein said upstreamend of said first portion of said drain passage communicates with saidsecond port in each of said open and closed positions of said piston.48. The invention according to claim 47 comprising an arcuate groove inone of said piston and said drain valve housing communicating with saidupstream end of said first portion of said drain passage and said secondport in each of said open and closed positions of said piston.
 49. Theinvention according to claim 1 wherein said actuator member is a rotarypiston rotatable about an axis and having a vent passage with a firstportion extending radially, relative to said axis, and a second portionextending axially, and having a drain passage with a first portionextending radially, relative to said axis, and a second portionextending axially.
 50. The invention according to claim 49 comprisingfirst and second seals radially bearing between said drain valve housingand said piston at said first and second ports at said radiallyextending first portions of said vent passage and said drain passage,respectively.
 51. The invention according to claim 49 comprising firstand second seals axially bearing between said drain valve housing andsaid piston at said third port at said axially extending portions ofsaid vent passage and said drain passage, respectively.
 52. Theinvention according to claim 1 wherein said actuator member is areciprocal plunger reciprocal along an axis, and comprising a ventpassage having a first portion extending radially in said drain valvehousing, relative to said axis, and a second portion extending axiallyin said drain valve housing.
 53. The invention according to claim 51wherein said vent passage has a third portion extending radially in saiddrain valve housing and a fourth portion extending axially in said drainvalve housing, said second portion extending axially along said plunger,said first and third portions being joined by said second portion, saidfourth portion being radially spaced from said second portion.
 54. Theinvention according to claim 53 wherein said vent passage has a fifthportion extending radially in said drain valve housing, such that ventair through said vent passage flows from said third port then throughsaid fifth portion then axially through said fourth portion thenradially through said third portion then axially through said secondportion then radially through said first portion to said vent opening.55. The invention according to claim 54 wherein said drain valve housinghas a drain chamber and a vent chamber axially spaced from each other bya dividing wall, and wherein said plunger extends axially through saiddividing wall and reciprocates in said drain and vent chambers betweenopen and closed positions, such that in said open position, collectedwater flows from said drain chamber along said plunger into said thirdport, and vent air flows in the opposite direction through said thirdport toward said plunger and then enters said vent passage at said fifthportion.
 56. The invention according to claim 52 comprising a drainpassage having a first portion extending radially in said drain valvehousing, relative to said axis, and a second portion extending axiallyalong said plunger to said third port.
 57. A drain valve for a fuelfilter water separator for an internal combustion engine, said fuelfilter water separator having a housing defining a water collectionspace and a vent space, the housing having a wall with a drain openingtherethrough for draining water from said water collection space, andhaving a vent opening therethrough and permitting incoming air toreplace outgoing water, said engine having a running condition whereinsaid fuel filter water separator is pressurized, said engine having anoff condition wherein said fuel filter water separator is notpressurized, said drain valve comprising a housing mounted to said fuelfilter water separator housing and having a first port mating with saidvent opening, a second port mating with said drain opening, and a thirdport, and an actuator member in said drain valve housing and actuablebetween a closed position blocking communication of said first port withsaid third port and blocking communication of said second port with saidthird port, and an open position providing communication of said firstport with said third port and providing communication of said secondport with said third port, and such that if said actuator member of saiddrain valve is actuated to said open position when said engine is insaid off condition, collected water and vent air each flow through saidthird port in opposite directions, said drain valve having a drainpassage communicating between said second and third ports at upstreamand downstream ends, respectively, said drain valve having a ventpassage communicating between said third and first ports at upstream anddownstream ends, respectively, said vent passage having an inlet at saidupstream end of said vent passage, said drain passage having an outletat said downstream end of said drain passage, said vent passage inletbeing in the same port, namely said third port, as said drain passageoutlet.
 58. The invention according to claim 57 wherein fuel pressure insaid fuel filter water separator during said running condition of saidengine provides pressurized fuel at said vent opening, such that if saidactuator member of said drain valve is actuated to said open positionwhen said engine is in said running condition, pressurized fuel sprayfrom said vent opening and collected water from said drain opening ofsaid fuel filter water separator housing each flow through said thirdport in the same direction.
 59. The invention according to claim 57wherein during said off condition of said engine with said fuel filterwater separator not pressurized, said first port draws air from saidvent passage from the side of the drain stream of said collected waterflowing in the opposite direction in said third port.
 60. The inventionaccording to claim 58 wherein during said off condition of said enginewith said fuel filter water separator not pressurized, said first portdraws air through said vent passage from around the drain stream of saidcollected water flowing in the opposite direction in said third port,and such that if said drain valve is actuated to said open positionduring said running condition of said engine with said fuel filter waterseparator pressurized, a pressurized fuel vent stream from said firstport joins said drain stream from said second port at said third portand flows through said third port in the same direction as said drainstream.